Clear choices on Jan. 19 ballot

Next week’s election may only settle matters for four and a half months, but coming hot on the heels of override-laden tax bills arriving in mailboxes, it will say a lot about how Paxton residents want their government to grow in the coming years.

They couldn’t have asked for a starker choice. As much as any three men can be, these three show a cross-section of the town’s demographics: a young professional, a middle-aged businessman and a retired union worker. They’re no less distinct on town issues.

Anthony Luzzo would seem to be the candidate for those seeking fresh blood, new thinking and a pro-education voice on the Board of Selectmen. Henry LaBombard is courting the protest vote, promising to listen to opposing viewpoints and hold the line on spending. Peter Bogren Jr., who’s been attending selectmen’s meetings and speaking with town officials, falls somewhere in the middle but offers the best articulated plans for addressing the budget.

Whoever winds up as Paxton’s choice, he will face an immediate challenge building the 2011 budget, and once that’s finished, it’s back to the campaign trail — probably against the same two opponents, again offering three disparate visions for their town.